London Tube Strikes 2025: Full List of Dates and Lines Impacted in September, and How to Travel During Disruption

As September 2025 arrives, London faces one of its most extensive periods of tube and train disruption in recent years. The RMT union has announced a week-long series of strikes affecting transport across the capital, bringing serious challenges for commuters, visitors, and businesses alike. This in-depth guide unpacks the reasons behind the strikes, the specific dates and lines impacted, and essential travel strategies so you can navigate London and its major airports with confidence.

Background: Why Are London Tube Strikes Happening?

Pay disputes triggered the latest wave of action, concerns over shift patterns, requests to reduce the working week from 35 to 32 hours, and calls for staff discounts on the national rail network. The RMT union, representing London Underground and DLR workers, says management has failed to honor prior agreements and address issues around fatigue and extreme shift rotations. In a union ballot, 57% of members backed industrial action. DLR staff are also striking over similar pay and working conditions.

Strike Timeline and Who Is Walking Out

Strikes officially began on Friday, September 5, and are set to last until Thursday, September 11. Various groups of TfL and DLR staff are on strike at different times, causing disruption that will impact every Underground line and the DLR for most of the week.

Day-by-Day Breakdown

• Friday, September 5 to Sunday, September 7: Depot operational control managers at Ruislip strike from 6 pm on September 5 through to 5:59 pm on September 7.
• Sunday, September 7: Track access controllers, Underground control center, power/control, and ERU members walk out from 12:01 am to 11:59 pm.
• Monday, September 8: All fleet (except engineering vehicles operation and maintenance and ERU), engineering, stations, and train members strike from 12:01 am to 11:59 pm.
• Tuesday, September 9: Signallers, service control, and ERU members strike from 12:01 am to 11:59 pm.
• Wednesday, September 10: All fleet (except engineering vehicles operation and maintenance and ERU), engineering, stations, and train members walk out from 12:01 am to 11:59 pm.
• Thursday, September 11: Signallers and service control members strike between 12:01 am and 11:59 pm.
• Friday, September 12: No formal strike, but staff need to return to their positions so services will not resume until 8 am.

Which Lines Are Impacted?

• London Underground: Every line is affected, with total shutdowns on several days (including September 8-11) and some lines operating limited service at other times.
• DLR: The Docklands Light Railway is hit by strikes, especially on Tuesday, September 9, and Thursday, September 11, with little to no service expected.
• London Overground, Elizabeth Line, Trams, and Buses: Remain operational, but expect overcrowding and delays.

What Do Tube Strikes Mean for Daily Travel?

During the strike window, London Underground lines will see major interruptions. For many, this means searching for alternative routes, planning longer journeys, and utilizing other forms of transportation. TfL expects regular service on buses, trams, Overground, and Elizabeth Line, but with high passenger volumes, which often causes delays or operational changes.

TfL also warns that non-tube and non-DLR services will be hectic and may not stop at all stations or reach their usual destinations, especially during peak travel hours.

Image Credit: Getty

Complete List: September 2025 London Tube Strike Dates and Lines Impacted

Here is an at-a-glance summary of all the significant strike dates and which services are suspended or disrupted:

The impact may vary by station and line, but the safest assumption is that all Underground and DLR services will experience outages on most strike days.

The Union and Management’s Perspective

RMT General Secretary Eddie Dempsey has said:

"Our members are doing a fantastic job to keep our capital moving and work strenuous shift patterns to make sure Londoners get to their destinations around the clock. They are not after a King's ransom, but fatigue and extreme shift rotations are serious issues impacting on our members' health and wellbeing—all of which have not been adequately addressed for years by LU management."

TfL's response emphasizes ongoing talks and their commitment to a fair outcome:

"We regularly meet with our trade unions to discuss concerns, and recently met with the RMT on specific points. We have offered a 3.4% pay increase in ongoing discussions and have made progress on commitments."

Both sides appear entrenched, and with previous rounds of negotiation unsuccessful, there's little sign of a last-minute resolution.

How Long Will the Tube Strike Last?

RMT has signaled that the strike will likely continue for the whole scheduled week. While talks may be ongoing, the prospect of an early resolution is slim. DLR strikes will be most significant on September 9 and 11, but disruption may linger just beyond these dates as staff return to positions.

Recent Strike History and Wider Context

London's transport system has faced strikes and industrial action increasingly in the past few years:

• June 6-7, 2022
• June 21-22, 2022
• August 19-20, 2022
• November 10-11, 2022
• November 25, 2022
• March 15-18, 2023
• January 5-11, 2024 (Strike called off at the last minute)

The September 2025 action is among the longest and most disruptive in recent memory.

What About Other Transport Modes?

• Eurostar: No anticipated impact from the strikes.
• Elizabeth Line: Operating, but expect high demand and limited seating.
• London Overground: Running as usual, though some indirect disruption is possible due to wider congestion.
• Trams/Buses: Continuing as usual, but delays and full vehicles should be expected.
• Taxi/Minicab Services: Higher demand and fares likely, especially traveling to key locations and airports.
• Coaches: National Express and other coach services offer alternatives from central and outer London.

Major Events Impacted

Concerts and major gatherings have seen adjustments:

• Post Malone's Tottenham Hotspur Stadium gigs have been postponed to September 20 and 21.
• Coldplay rescheduled Wembley Stadium performances.

Travelers attending these or other events should carefully plan alternative routes.

Tube Driver Earnings

According to a Freedom of Information request (April 2024), the average annual salary for a tube operator is £65,179. Senior operators can earn up to £75,677 per year.

Image: TFL

How to Get Around London During Tube Strikes

Navigating London during the strike period requires flexibility and planning:

1. Use Overground, Elizabeth Line, Trams, and Buses

• Reroute journeys via these running services.
• Expect crowds and possible station closures due to overcrowding.

2. Book Taxis or Minicabs in Advance

• Demand will be high, but for a Reliable and direct Option, companies like MiniCabRide offer 24/7 door-to-door Minicab services in London.
• Allow extra time for traffic congestion, particularly in central areas.

3. Walk or Cycle Shorter Distances

• London's extensive cycling infrastructure and pedestrian-friendly zones can ease short trips.
• Consider bike-sharing schemes such as Santander Cycles.

4. Consider Car Hire or Rideshare Apps

• Renting a car may be feasible for medium/long journeys.
• Apps offer options, although high surge pricing is standard during disruptions.

5. Plan Longer Journeys Carefully

• Check live updates from TfL and National Rail for route changes.
• Confirm with your airline, rail provider, or coach operator for alternate arrangements.

How to Get to London Airports During Strikes?

London Heathrow Airport (LHR)

• Elizabeth Line or Heathrow Express: Best rail alternatives while the Piccadilly line is down.
• Coach: National Express and other coach services run frequently from Victoria, Paddington, and other central locations.
• Heathrow Airport Taxi/ car: Higher traffic volume is expected, especially during peak times.

London Gatwick Airport (LGW)

• Thameslink & Southern Trains: Operating from London Bridge and Victoria — check disruption updates.
• Coach: National Express coaches offer a frequent alternative.
• Gatwick Airport Taxi/Car: Allow extra time due to congestion.

London Stansted Airport (STN)

• Greater Anglia Trains: From Liverpool Street, running as normal unless other industrial disputes arise.
• Coach: National Express and EasyBus provide alternatives.
• Stansted Airport Taxi/Car: Consider booking.

London Luton Airport (LTN)

• Thameslink Trains: Regular service, with shuttle buses to the airport terminal.
• Coach: Ongoing options, but again expect surges and delays.
• London Luton Airport Taxi/car: Fast, Direct and Easy, consider for Booking

London City Airport (LCY) & London Southend Airport (SEN)

• DLR disruption: Use alternative rail or coach routes.
• Airport Taxi/Car: Reliable if booked early.

Final Tips and Resources

• Stay Updated: Monitor TfL, National Rail, and airline websites for announcements during the strike week.
• Travel Off-Peak: If possible, schedule journeys outside of rush hours to avoid the worst congestion.
• Plan Ahead: Map out alternative public or private routes and keep backup plans in mind.
• Stay Informed: Local news outlets and social media channels are good sources for the latest developments.

With uncertainty lingering about negotiations, travelers are urged to prepare for a full week of disruption. London's resilience shines through even in challenging times, and with robust planning, you can still navigate the city and reach key destinations, including its airports, efficiently.